10 Trucks with a Wi-Fi Hotspot

web surfing with Chevy Silverado in vehicle OnStar 4GLTE Wi Fi ・ Photo by General Motors

In today’s world, a good internet connection can mean the difference between getting a job or losing the contract. Most automakers have kept this in mind when designing their latest offerings, and now the majority of domestic trucks offer a Wi-Fi hotspot option. Many of the systems are similar, allowing multiple devices to share a cellular connection; most use a dedicated cellular modem, which will need a data plan.

If you’re looking for a new truck and have an assortment of devices that need connecting, read on to discover our editors’ selection of 10 trucks with a Wi-Fi hotspot and learn about some of their different features.

1) 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

General Motors was one of the first automakers to offer a truck with a Wi-Fi hotspot, and the current full-size Chevrolet Silverado 1500 features available 4G LTE connectivity from OnStar (with data plans provided by AT&T) that lets you connect up to seven devices to a hotspot with a signal stronger than the typical smartphone.

Other interesting features include wireless charging for the aforementioned devices and the myChevrolet Mobile App that lets you start the engine and unlock the doors with a smartphone. There’s even Teen Driver technology that lets you monitor your kids' performance behind the wheel. Of course, it’s still a truck, so it also offers features like an integrated trailer brake controller and trailer sway control.

Photo by Chevrolet

2) 2017 GMC Sierra 1500

As you’d expect from another brand under the General Motors umbrella, the full-size GMC Sierra 1500 offers an optional OnStar 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. When so equipped the truck comes with everything you need (including a three-month or 3 GB trial AT&T data plan) to get up to seven devices connected.

Other available tech includes the wireless charging pad for charging cellphones and tablets, and the myGMC mobile app that lets you locate your vehicle, check its fuel levels and tires pressures and even remote start it. One feature that could save lives is the rear seat reminder, which alerts you about a possible rear passenger if the back doors have been opened and closed before or during a trip.

Photo by GMC

3) 2017 Ram 1500

The full-size RAM 1500 can act as a 3G Wi-Fi hotspot when equipped with Uconnect Access and a 3G Wi-Fi Hotspot Subscription (which currently daily, weekly and monthly plans, all with unlimited access). Uconnect Access also includes a vehicle finder, remote door lock and unlock, and remote Vehicle start, all of which can be accessed via the Uconnect app.

All these features and more are controlled using the excellent Uconnect system with its 8.4-inch touchscreen, voice command, Bluetooth streaming audio, hands-free calling, voice text reply and available GPS navigation. Other notable features include a four-corner air suspension and the RamBox cargo management system, and the Ram has one of the nicest interiors in the business, with some trims even featuring real wood trim.

Photo by Ram Trucks

4) 2018 GMC Canyon

GMC bills the Canyon as the only premium mid-size pickup, and like its bigger brother it offers an available built-in OnStar 4G LTE modem with Wi-Fi hotspot capability to let you connect to the Internet almost anywhere you go. The system supports up to seven devices simultaneously and won’t use up your smartphone’s data plan. Also available is the myGMC mobile app that lets you perform remote functions such as starting the truck’s engine or checking its oil life and tire pressures.

Combine that with the only available diesel in a mid-size truck (other than its Chevrolet Colorado sibling) and best-in-class towing capacity, and you should have everything you need to get some serious work done.

Photo by General Motors

5) 2018 Ford F-150

For the 2018 model year, the full-size Ford F-150 will finally be able to match its closest competitors in the connectivity department — thanks to a wireless hotspot that’s part of the available SYNC Connect Powered by FordPass option.

This feature uses the SYNC Connect modem to provide a Wi-Fi hotspot for up to 10 devices with a range of up to 50 feet outside the vehicle. It also includes the ability to remotely start the vehicle, lock and unlock the doors, check the fuel level and even locate your parked vehicle. Other F-150 highlights include "Pro Trailer Backup Assist" and an available remote tailgate release that lets you lock, unlock or even open the tailgate with the key fob.

Photo by Ford

6) 2018 Chevrolet Colorado

When properly equipped, the mid-size Chevrolet Colorado is available with a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot from OnStar that can provide a built-in wireless Internet connection for up to seven devices (though both active OnStar service and a data plan are required). The myChevrolet Mobile App is another Internet-enabled feature that lets you start and stop your engine, lock and unlock your doors and set parking reminders using a smartphone.

Like its Silverado big brother, the Colorado is also equipped to work with a CornerStep rear bumper and available diesel engine. Or, if you want to play, the ZR2 model is ready to tackle the trails with its front and rear electronic locking differentials and segment-exclusive Multimatic DSSV Damping System.

Photo by Chevrolet

7) 2018 GMC Sierra 2500HD / GMC Sierra 3500HD

GMC has proven with the full-size Sierra 2500HD and Sierra 3500HD that just because you need a heavy-duty truck doesn’t mean that you have to give up a nice interior with all the modern conveniences — and even high-end luxuries if you go for the Denali trim.

Like most other GM models, these Sierras offer OnStar 4G LTE with a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot that allows the simultaneous connection of up to seven devices to the Internet, as well as the myGMC mobile app that allows you to control and monitor certain aspects of the truck remotely. There's also an available 8-inch infotainment system and Bose premium sound system. Unavailable in most GM models, these Sierras offer a Duramax diesel V8 with its stump-pulling power and massive towing capacity.

Photo by GMC

8) 2017 Ram 2500 / Ram 3500

The 8.4-inch Uconnect system available in the full-size RAM 2500 and RAM 3500 (and even the Ram 4500 and 5500 chassis cab models) is pretty much the same system found in the rest of the Fiat Chrysler group’s vehicles, and that’s a very good thing.

A built-in 3G Wi-Fi Hotspot with a 150-foot range is available and uses TRU technology to keep you connected as you travel between cell towers or through tunnels. The Uconnect system also includes voice command, hands-free calling and voice text reply, letting you keep your hands on the wheel while staying productive even on the move. And moving just about anything is no problem with the optional Cummins straight-six diesel engine.

Photo by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles

9) 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD / Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD

The full-size Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD and Silverado 3500HD are both available with a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot that allows you to connect up to seven devices to the Internet at the same time. This sounds like a lot until you realize that a single fleet driver might have a Wi-Fi enabled dashcam or two, an in-truck laptop, a work tablet and more.

GM’s Teen Driver Technology works equally well to help small-business owners monitor their drivers and encourage safe driving behaviors, and the myChevrolet Mobile App can help on the job site by letting you start and stop the engine or lock and unlock the doors remotely without wasting any time. Suddenly those features are sounding even more useful, aren’t they?

Photo by Chevrolet

10) Any Truck

Just because you need a Wi-Fi hotspot doesn’t mean that you necessarily have to limit yourself to trucks that have the feature built in. Most carriers offer 4G LTE hubs or mobile hotspots that perform similarly to the systems found in most vehicles, but with the ability to move them from vehicle to vehicle. Alternatively, many of today’s smartphones have the ability to create a hotspot.

But, as carmakers continue to make their vehicles into roaming technology centers, built-in connectivity will continue to evolve and become more and more user-friendly. For trucks, like other types of vehicles, it's all about making the vehicle competitive in both its performance and its content. 

Photo by Toyota